YREKA – Tuesday was a monumental day for the staff and volunteers at the Madrone Hospice House, as they admitted their 1,000th patient since the facility opened in 1999.

"We are so appreciative of the continual support we receive from the community," said Madrone Hospice Executive Director Terrie Berentsen. "Our staff, volunteers, board of directors and supporters are the heart and soul of Madrone Hospice."

Judy Morton, longtime registered nurse case manager at the facility, commented that her experience working with both the patients and her fellow staff members has been wonderful.

"We learn so much from our patients and the staff gets along so well," she said.

Catherine Virgin, a licensed vocational nurse who has worked at the facility since it opened, said, "I admire and respect everybody I work with. You don't find that very often."

Berentsen stated that the staff loves being at work and supporting patients as well as one another.

"It is such an honor to walk through someone's end of life journey with them," said Berentsen. "We are here to give but we also receive. There is a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in helping those in need."

Madrone Hospice was established by a group of interested community members in 1984, and began with providing in-home support to terminally ill

patients and their families.

During the late 1990's, hospice supporters and the organization's board of directors began to address the need for a live-in facility for hospice patients.

"Some patients want to take the responsibility of care away from their loved ones so their families can just love and support them and not have to take care of their physical needs. Others may need a little more care than their families can give, and some do not have children and families," said Berentsen.

In 1997, the board of directors and volunteers embarked on a 90-day capital fund drive and with the help of the McConnell Foundation, Ford Family Foundation and Sierra Health Leadership Foundation, they raised $325,000 for the construction of the Hospice House.

They obtained matching grants and in October of 1999, organizers celebrated the fruits of their labors at the grand opening of the Hospice House.

The facility has six bedrooms, and each one has a home-like atmosphere with a patio and all the amenities. Each room has a fold-out couch for patients' family members who wish to stay the night by their loved ones' side.

"We are very family centered," said Berentsen.

There are no visiting hours at the Hospice House, as staff and volunteers always support friend and family visits. Berentsen noted that it is not uncommon for family members to have barbecues at the facility and sleep in the homey community room to be near their loved ones.

Page 2 of 2 - Community members donated the table and chairs in the kitchen, where residents who wish to leave their rooms eat their home-cooked meals.

"Our loving staff makes our patients feel honored, welcome, and comfortable. They come in here and smell home-cooked meals in a home environment. Every need that can be met is met," said Berentsen.

Outside in front of the Hospice House, residents who wish to sit in a tranquil environment may visit the new Recognition Garden, which was funded by a grant and donations.

The Recognition Garden features many donated trees, benches and plaques honoring Madrone Hospice volunteers as well as patients who have passed away.

Also in the front of the building is a labyrinth and a vegetable garden where patients may visit.

"It is wonderful that so many people have come together to make donations to the Hospice House," said Berentsen. "We have continual love and support from our community."

Madrone Hospice currently has 142 volunteers, including its board of directors. Fifty-five contribute a regular four-hour shift each week to operate the hospice shops. There are 35 patient care volunteers who provide services in patient homes and the Hospice House. An additional 42 volunteers provide support to Madrone senior programs.